July 4, 2022, 10:30 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Not only electric cars but also electric scooters are increasingly seen in cities. But what should you consider when buying one? TECHBOOK offers tips.
They quietly zip through the city. Without the annoying, high-revving engine noise, humming and eco-friendly: Electric scooters are becoming more popular among city dwellers. But who benefits from these electric vehicles? TECHBOOK provides tips for buying e-scooters.
Overview
What distance do you travel daily with the e-scooter?
The biggest advantage of e-scooters is emission-free driving, says Matthias Haasper, research director at the Institute for Two-Wheeler Safety (ifz). Additionally, many are convinced by the lower noise level. The electric drive is quieter than gasoline-powered versions. He also sees a cost advantage: Currently, 100 kilometers can be covered for less than one euro in energy costs.
The biggest technical challenges for an e-scooter are range and charging time. Haasper advises potential buyers to examine their usage habits, especially keeping an eye on the range of the specific model. “How many kilometers do I want to travel at a stretch, and how much time do I have for charging?” When considering distance, you should also account for inclines, which consume more energy.
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Charge the battery and estimate weight during the test ride
In cold weather, the range with a single battery charge decreases. Fast-charging features of the e-scooter can be helpful here. The ADAC recommends renting and test-riding the e-scooter for a while before buying. Ideally, over several charging cycles, so the pros and cons become apparent. “Additionally, interested parties should check where regular battery charging can take place. If the battery is removable, the weight of the batteries is also a factor,” says an ADAC spokesperson. Also important: the lifespan of the batteries, as replacements are usually expensive.
E-scooters are available as small, light, and powerful scooters. Small scooters are not allowed on all roads and, with their maximum speed of 45 km/h, often pose an obstacle even in city traffic. A car driver’s license is sufficient for small scooters, a class A1 license is required for light scooters, and A or A2 for powerful scooters. With a motorcycle license, all e-scooters can be driven.
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Lower top speed is cheaper
The range of small e-scooters with a top speed of around 25 km/h starts at about 1,500 euros. Faster ones up to 45 km/h cost between 2,000 euros and 3,500 euros. For highway-capable e-scooters with a top speed of up to 120 km/h, customers should expect to pay roughly between 3,700 euros and 13,700 euros. Manufacturers like BMW, Emco, IO Power Roller, Kreidler, Kumpan, Solar, Innoscooter, Tante Paula, Govecs, Trinity Electric Vehicles, and Unu offer vehicles in various performance classes.
“Particularly interesting for city dwellers who don’t park in their own garage are models where the battery can be taken into the apartment,” says Julia Ahrens from the Federal Association for eMobility (BEM). She also sees an advantage in the driving fun. “Once you’ve ridden one, you know what acceleration means.” Many municipalities or counties promote electric vehicles like e-bikes and electric scooters directly or through regional electricity providers, often linked with a contract for electricity supply.
This aims to make cities cleaner and quieter. “Conventional scooters have had to meet the Euro 4 standard since January 2016,” says Anja Smetanin from ACE Auto Club Europe. “They still emit proportionally more harmful emissions than modern cars and are very loud.” That’s why e-scooters are an eco-friendly alternative.